Yeah the best way is to use the special socket that has a passthrough so you can also hold the end of the shaft.

 

As my friend Whopper would say......

Ding, Ding, Ding, we have a winner !!!

This makes it super easy.

 

thanks for all the replies guys, i'm gonna try that this weekend. I had to put it back up in there for the week 'cause i had to get to work.
I'm going to check on that tool, and get the spring compressor again and get 'er done!

I changed the driver side, and the end link and WHAT A DIFFERENCE! no more clunk and wobble. need an alignment though.

 

Since it's back on the car, try breaking it loose - but not removing it - with the vehicle weight on it. I've been able to do that before. Sux that you had to re-install it, but maybe it will help in the end...